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DPW: Monument Street sinkhole widens over weekend

Kocher said parts of East Monument Street were inspected in December 2009, but there was no indication of a future problem.

DPW: Monument Street sinkhole widens over weekend

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Updated: 6:38 PM EDT Jul 30, 2012

BALTIMORE —

Baltimore City Department of Public Works officials on Monday said an existing sinkhole at East Monument Street between Bradford Avenue and Montford Street has widened over the weekend.

DPW Director Alfred H. Foxx said that as a result, sanitation collection lines servicing units between 2326 and 2336 Monument St, even side only, may have been compromised. As a precaution water has been suspended to those units.

Foxx said DPW is currently considering permitting foot traffic on the sidewalk, and therefore business operation, between Patterson Park Avenue and Bradford Avenue.

Before repairs to the sinkhole area can occur, it must first be stabilized. DPW is currently working with residents and merchants at 2324, 2327, 2323, 2331, 2337, 2342, 2328, and 2322 Monument St., to conduct pre-construction structural surveys and install vibration and settlement monitors.

These monitors will notify DPW if damage to surrounding buildings is occurring. DPW is asking any property owner or merchant at the above addresses to call 311 and leave their contact information.

“Our goal is to contact each and every resident and merchant directly regarding access to their property to conduct the survey, and to provide any additional updates,” said Foxx.

DPW said it anticipates the stabilization of the sinkhole will last for about nine days, weather permitting, after which repairs to the sinkhole itself can begin and foot traffic to the area nearest the sinkhole can resume.

Access to properties between Bradford Avenue and Montford Street will remain prohibited until the stabilization is complete. Vehicle traffic on Monument Street will not reopen until all of the construction is complete.

DPW said it is continuing to work with BGE, Verizon, and other city agencies to get the area back to business in a safe and systematic manner as soon as possible.